Bidirectional Coupling of Neurons with a Microchip Integrating Microelectrodes and Field-Effect-Transistors

Kotman, Niklas

Diploma Thesis

Bidirectional Coupling of Neurons with a Microchip Integrating Microelectrodes and Field-Effect-Transistors

Kotman, N. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2008
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Zentralbibliothek, Verlag Jülich

Jülich : Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Zentralbibliothek, Verlag, Berichte des Forschungszentrums Jülich 4285, I, 135 p (2008) = Kassel, Univ., Dipl., 2008

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/16256

Report No.: Juel-4285

Abstract: During the last decades the field of bioelectronics has become of major interest for applied and basic research alike. It is the science of joining man-made electronics with biomolecules, single cells, or even whole clusters of cells or tissues to form a hybrid that is able to perform functions which were innominate to each of the parts the new device consists of. Molecular electronics using biomolecules as part of their circuitry, or as sensing unit in case of biosensors, are thougth to enhance the capabilities of known electronics to become more reliable, sensitive, or cost efficient. The fusion of cells and electronics might help to replace or restore body functions that were previously lost by disease or accident. A great effort towards accomplishing this is made in the case of damaged sensing organs such as cochlea or brainstem implants to restore hearing [1]. The development of retinal implants to restore vision in humans has also seen successes and first clinical trials [2, 3]. Establishing communication between remaining nerve fibers and prostheses aims at restoring mobility for patients after amputation or paralysis [4, 5]. Electrical brain stimulation in clinical therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease [6] or epilepsy [7] is also currently under development. For this technology to become more reliable and to expand its field of applications, it is crucial to investigate the basic working principles of the nervous systems and the coupling of neuronal cells to microelectronic devices. The way neurons communicate among each other, and by that process information, is hardly understood. In order to fill this knowledge gap, techniques for both recording and stimulation of neuronal activity need to be perfected. A device being capable of bidirectional coupling on single-cell level could stimulate electrical acitivity inside a network of neurons and simultaneously record the outcome of the neuronal computation at any given spot.[...]

Note: Record converted from VDB: 12.11.2012
Note: Kassel, Univ., Dipl., 2008

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